"We need to pay legislators better, clean up lobbying, and look seriously at public financing of campaigns," said Rep. Susan Fisher, an Asheville Democrat.

Paying lawmakers more would reduce their temptation to let lobbyists buy them meals or provide gifts, she argues.

Proponents argue that attracting more citizen candidates, particularly well-qualified ones, would take more money.

"It's ridiculous what they're paid," said Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy North Carolina, an independent watchdog organization based in Carr-boro. "They're afraid to raise their pay because their opponents will jam it down their throats come election time."

Indeed, many state lawmakers are reluctant to say what they think the pay should be.

"It would benefit the state to have a greater diversity of people in the legislature, so that it's not just retirees and self-employeds," said Sen. Eddie Goodall, a Weddington Republican and accountant. "How to get there is harder. If I talk about a pay raise, I'll get crucified."

Some legislators say they oppose the idea.

"If you have a part-time legislature, it seems reasonable to have part-time pay," said Sen. Richard Stevens, a Cary Republican.

Lawmakers and observers who favor legislative pay raises typically suggest a salary of $40,000 to $75,000 plus living expenses, which might amount to about $25,000.

"A lot of this is the press's fault," said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, a Carrboro Democrat who favors a substantial pay raise. "Every time we talk about it, the press is all over us about eating at the public trough. Frankly, people are going broke at the public trough."